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When: October 2024

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Health Literacy Month 2024

Health Literacy Month provides a further opportunity to have more conversations about health literacy with more of their NHS colleagues, their peers in the third sector and carers. [Source]

What is Health Literacy?

Health Literacy is about making sure people understand the health information they are given, whether this is written or verbal. This is so they have the skills and confidence to make choices about their healthcare and are able to navigate the health and social care systems. 

Why is Health Literacy important?

Low Health literacy leads to worse health outcomes. A report from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council – “An overview of health inequalities in BCP” produced in 2021 highlights that those from the more deprived areas in Bournemouth Poole and Christchurch are more likely to die earlier and have a higher attendance at A&E for under 5’s.  This could be helped by ensuring that these people have the right information and that they can understand that information.  It is estimated that low health literacy cost the NHS 3-5% of their total budget each year. 

What can I do?

Come to one of our health literacy training sessions, you can sign up here. In the session we will make you aware you of the importance of not using medical jargon, tools such as chunk and check and teach back, to help you make sure your patient has understood what you’re telling them. We will also provide tips for writing health literature, such as patient leaflets.    

You can also check out the resources below for more information about health literacy. 

In this topic guide you are able to access key texts available in print or electronically within UHD/DHC, useful websites, and links to recommended books on Health Literacy.

Recommended Books

Health Literacy Live Simulation: 11th October 2024

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OPEN TO UHD AND DHC STAFF

Participate in our livestream event as we team up with our library and Dorset Healthcare to host a live healthcare literacy simulation. We will be live on 11 October from 1-2pm. Find the Teams link to join in the UHD and DHC internal communications!

Are you a member of #TeamUHD?

Our library team is offering sessions on writing in plain English for our patients. It’s so important our communications are accessible.

• 21 October, 10-10.30am, online on Teams
• 22 October, 12noon-12.30pm, glass room in RBH library
• 23 October, 2-2.30pm, Poole Hospital library, Tarrant Room
• 24 October, 10.30-11am, glass room in RBH library
• 25 October, 11.30am-12noon, Poole library, Tarrant Room

Email library@uhd.nhs.uk to book your place.